Stereochemistry

Question 1

enantiomers

Answer 1

non-superimposable mirror images

Question 2

chiral

Answer 2

non-superimposable mirror images; not symmetrical

Question 3

achiral

Answer 3

superimposable images; symmetrical

Question 4

Is your hand chiral or achiral?

Answer 4

chiral

Question 5

isomer

Answer 5

same molecules bonded in different ways

Question 6

stereoisomer

Answer 6

same connectivity but different overall shape

Question 7

constitutional isomers

Answer 7

different connectivity but same molecules

Question 8

configuration

Answer 8

involves bond break

Question 9

conformation

Answer 9

different arrangement of molecules in space due to bond rotation

Question 10

racemic mixture

Answer 10

equal quantities of a pair of enantiomers

Question 11

Diastereoisomers

Answer 11

Same connectivity but not mirror images (physical/chemical properties differ)

Question 12

stereogenic center

Answer 12

chiral center (not symmetrical)

Question 13

Mesocompounds (def + properties)

Answer 13

Achiral compound w/ chiral centers

• superimposable
• optically inactive

Question 14

Configurational vs. Constitutional Isomers

Answer 14

Configurational: stereoisomers (same connectivity) but need break bonds
Constitutional: diff connectivity & need break bonds